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They look like the footprint for an alternative package, probably the TQFP-44 variant. Having both footprints: QFN (the leadless package that is installed) and the alternative TQFP variant allows a single board to be used depending on the availability of either part for more flexible BOM management. You could also use it for testing, as originally suggested as well.

Most likely, you are better off soldering a ribbon cable up to the pads on the TQFP footprint. Most removable clamps require the actual chip to be installed, are quite expensive, and don't really go down to something as small as a TQFP-44, for example, these start at 80 pins: winslowadaptics.com/…
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ZuofuAug 18 '14 at 19:34